Pumpkin Print Keepsakes

We love our keepsakes here at Learning and Exploring Through Play and we have enjoyed making a few of them over the last year. Today we are here to share a wonderful keepsake that is great for Autumn.
Suitable for the coming of Harvest and Halloween we have made a hand and footprint keepsake after being inspired by an idea where saw over at Parkers Mommy. You will need to create a batch of Salt Dough. We have a simple recipe that you can check out here. Once you have your dough made, roll it out. You will need a large amount to create the pumpkin and for it to be big enough to fit on a hand print and a foot print. Carefully imprint your little ones hands and feet and cut out a pumpkin shape. You can also use a straw to add a hole to the top if you want the option of adding string to hang up on the wall. When you have your pumpkin ready, place onto a flat surface ready to go in the oven. I use the bottom of a pirex dish turned upside down. If you put it onto a grill the bars will begin to imprint on your dough. I usually leave my salt dough creations over night before putting them in the oven the following day. It will depend on the thickness of your dough as to how long it will take to dry out. I usually find a couple of hours in the oven on a low heat being checked regularly and then a few days air drying works great. Once they are completely dry you can then set about painting them. Use acrylic paints. Dont be tempted to use water based paints as this will make your dough soggy again. You will also find water based paints dont spread on very nicely. When you are happy with your designs give them a coat of varnish which will ensure they will last must longer as the varnish seals it. We have also make some Pumpkin Thumb Print Magnets. These are great to make with the left over dough you have!! Well, what are you waiting for?? Go and get your flour and salt and set about creating some of your own Pumpkin Print keepsakes! They will make lovely Autumn decorations and gifts for your friends and family! Are you following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for lots more fun activities and ideas? You may also like: